Rio by Paulo André — Restaurant in Vila do Conde

A Culinary Masterpiece in Vila do Conde/Porto: Rio by Paulo Andre

First Impression: Our inaugural dinner in Portugal at Rio by Paulo Andre set the bar incredibly high. Our only regret? Not opting for the tasting menu - a mistake we'll gladly rectify on our next visit.

Culinary Delights: We savored an array of exquisite dishes:

Duck: Perfectly prepared, showcasing the chef's expertise. Pasta: According to my wife, the best she's ever tasted - a bold claim that speaks volumes. Tiramisu: A creative twist on the classic Italian dessert. Sophia dessert: A sweet finale that left us wanting more.

Each dish was a testament to the kitchen's skill and creativity.

Service: The staff's performance was nothing short of impeccable. Attentive, friendly, and professional throughout our meal, they elevated our dining experience, making us feel truly valued.

Ambiance: Rio by Paulo Andre has mastered the art of atmosphere. The restaurant exudes a calm, warm, and polished vibe that perfectly complements the culinary journey.

Presentation: Every plate is a work of art. The beautiful presentation isn't just for show - each dish seems to tell its own story, engaging all senses before the first bite.

Final Thoughts: I cannot recommend Rio by Paulo Andre highly enough. It's more than a meal; it's an unforgettable dining experience. For anyone visiting Porto, this restaurant is an absolute must. The attention to detail, from the food to the service to the ambiance, creates a harmonious and exceptional experience that lingers in memory long after the last bite.

In conclusion, if you're in Porto and you miss Rio by Paulo Andre, you're missing out on one of the city's culinary crown jewels. We can't wait to return and explore more of what this outstanding restaurant...

Repost as Google didn’t agree with the original and I’m only realizing this now. The original review is about two years old I think.

Well, I just left this restaurant and might be slightly biased due to the ample amount of wine I had, but… wow. This place is truly above and beyond. Every single plate went back clean, and if it wouldn’t be frowned upon I would have eaten the plate itself, too. The presentation, preparation and taste of the various dishes are more than excellent. You can eat very well in Portugal, and I certainly have, but Rio had no issue immediately going into the top five of my personal ranking of restaurants in this country. Chef Paulo, if you read this, my apologies for ordering the risotto for dessert, but your waiter Daniel (who was fantastic, by the way!) was not kidding when he said that it is the best risotto ever. There might be a better one somewhere in Italy, but I’ve got no desire to find out. As far as I’m concerned, tonight I’ve eaten the best risotto of my life. Plus an amazing Beef Rossini. And yes, I did eventually have a “proper” dessert, too, and now all I can do is move my thumbs to write this. To summarize: if you happen to be in Vila do Conde but do not visit Rio by Paulo André and sample its fantastic food & service, you have...

One of the best meals of my life!

We had such a special experience tonight. We opted for the classico tasting menu with matching wine. Daniel the Sommelier, welcomed us and hosted us for the evening with excellent English, insightful tasting notes and a wonderful sense of humour.

The food was beyond expectations. At each break I wondered how the next course was going to follow the previous as it was so good and it kept building. Each course even better than the previous. I cannot pick a highlight as every course was so strong and my taste buds are dancing with happiness.

This is local food made with love and you can taste it in every mouthful. The wine (all portuguese) matched perfectly, complementing and enhancing every ingredient. We were also lucky enough to meet Chef Paulo and his passion and enthusiasm for his food is infectious. Our appreciation and thanks to all the team who made this such an unforgettable experience and evening. I would highly recommend checking out this fantastic restaurant if you're in the area. You will not be...